NARROW-VEIN & LOW-PROFILE
substantiated these benefits, citing strong hammer durability, favourable bit and steel life, and consistently stable performance in hard-rock drilling conditions,” they said.
Upon returning to the narrow-vein operations that had originally deemed mechanised bolting infeasible, the engineering team demonstrated that the DPIS-1-HD-KRMG3 could enter, drill and bolt within the available heading dimensions without modification.
The companies concluded:“ The system effectively introduced mechanised support into areas previously limited to handheld practices, expanded mechanisation opportunities within the Latin American narrow-vein market, and delivered improved safety and control without compromising precision or penetration rate.”
DD210 receives an upgrade
Sandvik Mining recently introduced a drilling performance upgrade package for the Sandvik DD210 narrow-vein underground drill rig to help provide robust and efficient drilling controls.
The Sandvik DD210 is a compact and versatile single-boom electrohydraulic jumbo for tunnelling and mining development in cross sections up to 24 sq. m. With its narrow-vein carrier and compact telescopic drilling module, this drill is ideal for operations in confined areas, Sandvik claims.
The Sandvik DD210 upgrade features the THC561 control system, which together with RDX5 rock drill, offers higher drilling performance, with a 15 % gain in penetration rate when compared with the previous version. Operators can also enjoy extended component lifetime with reduced wear on the rock drill and rock tools, Sandvik says.
The upgraded version of Sandvik DD210 is more robust, featuring a new carrier while retaining the same versatility and mobility in confined tunnels. The new carrier offers better serviceability and maintenance from the ground level, plus improved safety for operators with options such as Access Protector and EU Stage V engine, according to the company.
The optional Narrow Vein package offers a boom fitted with double roll over and telescopic feed for face drilling, cross cutting, bolting or long hole applications.
Compact, yet powerful loading
Fellow Nordic-based OEM Epiroc has just launched the Scooptram ST4, a new 4-t-payload underground loader aimed at offering increased productivity in narrowvein mining.
The Scooptram ST4 has been developed in close collaboration with customers, resulting in a compact underground loader tailored to the needs of small drift mines,
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Field trials of the Scooptram ST4 show a 26 % increase in average traction force compared to the ST2G, along with a 19 % improvement in mechanical breakout force
Epiroc says. It features a Stage V engine and has already undergone field testing.
Mary Zhu, Global Product Manager Scooptram – Small Segment, said:“ The Scooptram ST4 builds on years of experience from its predecessor, the Scooptram ST2G, and features major upgrades, particularly in productivity.”
The new powertrain system, which includes updated components such as the transmission, converter and engine options, significantly enhances the Scooptram ST4’ s overall performance, the OEM claims. It is available with both Tier 3 / EU Stage IIIA and Tier 4 / EU Stage V engine configurations. Notably, both engine alternatives offer 20 % more power than the Scooptram ST2G’ s current engine. In addition to faster cycle times and improved efficiency, the Stage V engine meets the highest emission standards, significantly reducing particulate matter and nitrogen oxides in mining operations, thus improving underground air quality, Epiroc claims. These environmental benefits are further amplified by the loader’ s compatibility with HVO100 fuel, which helps reduce the overall CO₂ footprint.
Zhu added:“ The new powertrain is the foundation of the Scooptram ST4’ s superior mucking capabilities. Field trials show a 26 % increase in average traction force compared to the ST2G, along with a 19 % improvement in mechanical breakout force.”
Additionally, the loader demonstrated a 27 % increase in revolutions per minute during mucking and hydraulic operations, and a 13 % reduction in total cycle motion time, Epiroc said. This results in faster bucket movements and hydraulic responses, leading to better fill factors and quicker loading. The enhanced powertrain enables the Scooptram ST4 to achieve up to 45 % faster tramming speeds on flat ground with a loaded bucket and maintain higher gears even when tramming uphill under full load, delivering a notable boost in tonnage output per cycle.
Another key upgrade is the redesigned rear frame, which improves both safety and reliability. The new layout lowers the frame by 100 mm, significantly enhancing operator visibility. High-quality components, such as a reinforced drive shaft and the optional passive Diesel Particulate Filter system, further increase reliability by enabling longer service intervals, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring consistent performance in demanding underground conditions.
The Scooptram ST4 is designed for drift sizes with a minimum height of 2.8 m and performs exceptionally well at high altitudes, according to Epiroc. Field trials conducted at a mine located 4,100 m above sea level showed the loader delivering up to 12 % more power compared with the previous model.
Leveraging its niche
Back in June, France-based Aramine marked a major milestone, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special event at its factory in Gardanne, Provence.
Started by entrepreneurs Jacques and Angèle Melkonian – the company grew initially through its supply of underground mining services to the French uranium industry and then through its representation of Wagner, which later became Atlas Copco and then Epiroc, in the French and Francophone African markets. It also built up a significant spare parts business through a warehouse in Aix-en-Provence. The company was taken over by siblings Genevieve, Marc and Christophe Melkonian
International Mining | JANUARY 2026